I am interested in starting a web-based commercial baking company. My first product line will be brownies and I would like to get ideas on how best to package product. This will start as a home-based business so I don't want a large commercial machine. I thought there might be some type of counter top machine that would be sufficient until things get going. Any ideas are appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
I have two suggestions for you. One is to talk to your local health inspector to find out what the requirements are to open such a business. Get on their good side early. The attitide to take with the health inspectors is that you and they are a team working to make the best possible brownies and such and that their input is essential to you. That attitude smooths many obstacles. Don't even say anything like "they're overbearing clueless beauracrats" in your sleep.
Next, look into joining a professional group like the Bread Bakers Guild of America. Their members have been down this road before and will want to help you and give you good advice. When I started my bakery, I found their help invaluable, and the help in usenet mostly of entertainment value. (That wasn't true of all the usenet people, but separating the wheat from the chaff took a while.)
A final suggestion/question. Is your main interest in baking or having a business? You can always contract with other, licensed and inspected, bakeries to produce and wrap your product for you.
Mike
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